Aggravated Battery

In Illinois, a person may be charged with aggravated battery based on the following:

(a) Injury. A person commits aggravated battery when, in committing a battery, other than by the discharge of a firearm, he or she knowingly does any of the following:

(1) Causes great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement. This offense could be a Class 1 felony if certain conditions are met.

(2) Causes severe and permanent disability, great bodily harm, or disfigurement by means of a caustic or flammable substance, a poisonous gas, a deadly biological or chemical contaminant or agent, a radioactive substance, or a bomb or explosive compound. This offense is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 6 years and a maximum of 45 years.

(ii) battered to prevent performance of his or her official duties; or

(iii) battered in retaliation for performing his or her official duties. This offense is a Class 1 felony.

(4) Causes great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to an individual 60 years of age or older. This offense is a Class 2 felony.

(5) Strangles another individual. This offense could be a Class 1 felony is certain conditions are met.

(b) Injury to a Child or Intellectually Disabled Person. A person who is at least 18 years of age commits aggravated battery when, in committing a battery, he or she knowingly and without legal justification by any means:

(1) causes great bodily harm or disability or disfigurement to any child under the age of 13 years, or to any severely or profoundly intellectually disabled person (this offense is a Class X felony, except that additional years shall be added on if certain firearm conditions are met) ; or

(2) causes bodily harm or disability or disfigurement to any child under the age of 13 years or to any severely or profoundly intellectually disabled person.

(c) Location of Conduct. A person commits aggravated battery when, in committing a battery, other than by the discharge of a firearm, he or she is or the person battered is on or about a public way, public property, a public place of accommodation or amusement, a sports venue, or a domestic violence shelter.

(d) Status of Victim. A person commits aggravated battery when, in committing a battery, other than by discharge of a firearm, he or she knows the individual battered to be any of the following:

(1) A person 60 years of age or older.

(2) A person who is pregnant or physically handicapped.

(3) A teacher or school employee upon school grounds or grounds adjacent to a school or in any part of a building used for school purposes.

(ii) battered to prevent performance of his or her official duties; or

(iii) battered in retaliation for performing his or her official duties.

(6) An officer or employee performing of the State of Illinois, a unit of local government, or a school district, while performing his or her official duties.

(7) A transit employee performing his or her official duties, or transit passenger.

(8) A taxi driver on duty.

(9) A merchant who detains the person for an alleged commission of retail theft under Section 16-26 of this Code and the person without legal justification by any means causes harm to the merchant.

(10) A person authorized to serve process under Section 2-202 of the Code of Civil Procedure or a special process server appointed by the circuit court while that individual is in the performance of his or her duties as a process server.

(11) A nurse while in the performance of his or her duties as a nurse.

(e) Use of a Firearm. A person commits aggravated battery when, in committing a battery, he or she knowingly does any of the following:

(1) Discharges a firearm, other than a machine gun or a firearm equipped with a silencer, and causes any injury to a person. This offense is a Class X felony.

(2) Discharges a firearm, other than a machine gun or a firearm equipped with a silencer, and causes any injury to a person he or she knows to be a peace officer, community policing volunteer, person summoned by a police officer, fireman, private security officer, correctional institution employee, or emergency management worker:

(i) performing his or her official duties;

(ii) battered to prevent performance of his or her official duties; or

(iii) battered in retaliation for performing his or her official duties. This offense is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 60 years.

(3) Discharges a firearm, other than a machine gun or s firearm equipped with a silencer, and causes any injury to a person he or she knows to be an emergency medical technician employed by a municipality or other governmental unit:

(i) performing his or her official duties;

(ii) battered to prevent performance of his or her official duties; or

(iii) battered in retaliation for performing his or her official duties. This offense is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 60 years.

(4) Discharges a firearm and causes any injury to a person he or she knows to be a teacher, a student in a school, or a school employee, and the teacher, student, or employee is upon school grounds or grounds adjacent to a school or in any part of a building used for school purposes. This offense is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 60 years.

(5) Discharges a machine gun or a firearm equipped with a silencer, and causes any injury to another person. This offense is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 12 yearsand a maximum of 45 years.

(6) Discharges a machine gun or a firearm equipped with a silencer, and causes any injury to a person he or she knows to be a peace officer, community policing volunteer, person summoned by a police officer, fireman, private security officer, correctional institution employee or emergency management worker:

(i) performing his or her official duties;

(ii) battered to prevent performance of his or her official duties; or

(iii) battered in retaliation for performing his or her official duties. This offense is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 60 years.

(7) Discharges a machine gun or a firearm equipped with a silencer, and causes any injury to a person her or she knows to be an emergency medical technician employed by a municipality or other governmental unit:

(i) performing his or her official duties;

(ii) battered to prevent performance of his or her official duties; or

(iii) battered in retaliation for performing his or her official duties. This offense is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 60 years.

(8) Discharges a machine gun or a firearm equipped with a silencer, and causes any injury to a person he or she knows to be a teacher, or a student in a school, or a school employee, and the teacher, student, or employee is upon school grounds or grounds adjacent to a school or in any part of a building used for school purposes. This offense is a Class X felony for which a person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 60 years.

(f) Use of a Weapon or Device. A person commits aggravated battery when, in committing a battery, he or she does any of the following:

(1) Uses a deadly weapon other than by discharge of a firearm, or uses an air rifle as defined in the Air Rifle Act.

(2) Wears a hood, robe or mask to conceal his or her identity.

(3) Knowingly and without lawful justification shines or flashes a laser gunsight or other laser device attached to a firearm, or used in concert with a firearm, so that the laser beam strikes upon or against the person of another.

(4) Knowingly video or audio records the offense with the intent to disseminate the recording.

(g) Certain Conduct. A person commits aggravated battery when, other than by discharge of a firearm, he or she does any of the following:

(1) Violates Section 401 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act by unlawfully delivering a controlled substance to another and any user experiences great bodily harm or permanent disability as a result of the injection, inhalation, or ingestion of any amount of the controlled substances. This offense is a Class 1 felony.

(2) Knowingly administers to an individual or causes him or her to take, without his or her consent or by threat or deception, and for other than medical purposes, any intoxicating, poisonous, stupefying, narcotic, anesthetic, or controlled substances, or gives to another person any food containing any substance or object intended to physical injury if eaten.

(3) Knowingly causes or attempts to cause a correctional institution employee of Department of Human Services employee to come into contact with blood, seminal fluid, urine, or feces by throwing, tossing, or expelling the fluid or material, and the person is an inmate of a penal institution or is a sexually dangerous person or sexually violent person in the custody of the department of Human Services. This offense is a Class 2 felony.

“Machine gun” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 24-1 (720 ILCS 24-1) of the Illinois Criminal Code.

“Merchant” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 16-0.1 (720 ILCS 5/16-0.1) of the Illinois Criminal Code.

“Strangle” means intentionally impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood of an individual by applying pressure on the throat or neck of that individual or by blocking the nose or mouth of that individual.

JM was facing a potential felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.

NO CHARGES FILED

In June 2017, after hiring The Prior Law Firm, the State declined to file any charges against JM.

State of Illinois v. BO

Aggravated Battery

BO was charged with aggravated battery in March 2017.

DISMISSED

The charge against BO was dismissed in August 2017, right before trial.

State of Illinois v. RP

DUI

RP was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in March 2017.

NOT GUILTY

In September 2017, RP had a jury trial and was found not guilty.

State of Illinois v. AE

Possession of a Controlled Substance Case

AE was charged with possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, in May 2017.

DISMISSED

In September 2017, the charge was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. SB

DUI

SB was charged with driving under the influence of drugs.

DISMISSED

In June 2017, the DUI charge was dismissed and a petition to rescind statutory summary suspension was granted, allowing SB to keep his driver's license.

State of Illinois v. AH

Aggravated Battery of a Police Officer

AH was charged with aggravated battery of a police officer and with obstructing justice.

DISMISSED

All charges were dismissed in June 2017.

State of Illinois v. RM

DUI

RM was charged with driving under the influence of drugs.

DISMISSED

In February 2017, the charge against RM was dismissed and a petition to rescind statutory summary suspension was granted, allowing RM to keep his driver's license.

State of Illinois v. AM

Criminal Damage to Property Case

In April 2005, AM was charged with criminal damage to property in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a jury trial.

NOT GUILTY

The jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

State of Illinois v. HT

DUI Case

In 2005, HT was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a jury trial.

NOT GUILTY

The jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

State of Illinois v. RR

In August 2006 in McLean County, RR was charged with: aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony; indecent solicitation of a child, a Class 2 felony; and endangering the life or health of a child, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion to dismiss the case was filed.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. MC

Resisting/Obstruction a Peace Officer and Obstruction of Justice Case

In August 2007, MC was charged with resisting/obstructing a peace officer and with obstruction of justice in McLean County, both of which are Class 4 felonies. A motion was filed to vacate both of the convictions and to dismiss the criminal proceedings.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the judgment of the convictions were vacated. The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. AV

DUI Case

In September 2007, AV was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was returned.

State of Illinois v. TH

Manufacture/Delivery of Narcotic Case

In November 2007, TH was charged with manufacture/delivery of a narcotic in McLean County, a Class 2 felony. A motion was filed to vacate the conviction and to dismiss the criminal proceeding.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the conviction was vacated. The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. SP

DUI Case

In March 2008, SP was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was returned.

State of Illinois v. JG

Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis Case

In July 2008, JG was charged with manufacture/delivery of cannabis in McLean County, a Class 3 felony. A motion was filed to vacate the conviction and to dismiss the case.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the conviction was vacated. The case was dismissed.

Illinois Secretary of State Petition

After receiving a DUI, CL lost his driving privileges. A petition was filed with the Illinois Secretary of State to give CL full reinstatement of his driving privileges.

Granted

CL was granted full reinstatement of his driving privileges in March 2010.

State of Illinois v. CR

Manufacture/Delivery of a Narcotic Case

In October 2008, CR was charged with manufacture/delivery of a narcotic in McLean County, a Class 2 felony. A motion to vacate the conviction and to dismiss the criminal proceeding was filed.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the judgment of conviction was vacated. The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. NR

In November 2008, NR was charged with possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, and with resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor, in McLean County. The charges resulted in a bench trial.

Dismissed

The possession of a controlled substance charge was dismissed. A verdict of NOT GUILTY was returned for the charge of resisting a peace officer.

State of Illinois v. AR

DUI Case

In November 2008, AR was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion to rescind the statutory summary suspension of AR's driver's license was filed.

Granted

The motion was granted.

Illinois Secretary of State Petition

CL

After receiving a DUI, CL lost his driving privileges. A petition was filed with the Illinois Secretary of State to issue CL a restricted driving permit in February 2009.

Granted

The petition was granted and CL was able to receive a restricted driving permit.

State of Illinois v. KH

DUI Case

In April 2009, KH was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion to rescind the statutory summary suspension of KH's driver's license was filed.

Granted

The motion was granted.

State of Illinois v. SF

Possession of Cannabis Case

In 2009, SF was charged with possession of cannabis in McLean County, a Class C misdemeanor.

Dismissed

In August 2009 the case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. SB

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse Case

In January 2010, SB was charged with aggravated criminal sexual abuse in DeWitt County, a Class 2 felony. The prosecution filed a petition to revoke SB's probation.

Dismissed

The petition was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. JL

DUI Case

In June 2010, JL was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.

State of Illinois v. DA

In July 2010, DA was charged with possession of a controlled substance in McLean County, a Class 4 felony.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. RO

Arson and Fraud Case

In July 2010, RO was charged with arson/defrauding an insurance company, a Class 2 felony, and with defrauding a governmental entity, a Class 3 felony, in DeWitt County.

Dismissed

Both charges were dismissed.

State of Illinois v. SD

DUI Case

In September 2010, SD was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion was filed to rescind the statutory summary suspension of SD's driver's license.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. NB

DUI Case

In September 2010, NB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.

State of Illinois v. LH

Credit Card Fraud Case

In September 2010, LH was charged with credit card fraud in McLean County, a Class 3 felony. A motion to vacate the conviction was filed.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. JG

Possession of a Controlled Substance Case

In November 2010, JG was charged with possession of a controlled substance in McLean County, a Class 4 felony.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. CB

Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance Case

In January 2011, CB was charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a church in DeWitt County, a Class 1 felony. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

In January 2011, MD was charged with an improper left turn in McLean County, a petty offense. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.

State of Illinois v. AG

DUI Case

In March 2011, AG was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion was filed to rescind the statutory summary suspension of AG's driver's license.

Granted

The motion was granted

State of Illinois v. JJ

DUI Case

In June 2011, JJ was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A Motion to Quash Arrest an Suppress Evidence based on the officer having no reasonable and articulable suspicion to stop JJ was filed.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the case was dismissed

State of Illinois v. PS

DUI Case

In August 2011, PS was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.

State of Illinois v. BB

DUI Case

In August 2011, BB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered

State of Illinois v. RF

DUI Case

In December 2011, RF was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial and a motion to rescind the statutory summary suspension of RF's driver's license.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. NR

DUI Case

In December 2011, NR was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion was filed to rescind the statutory summary suspension of NR's driver's license.

Granted

The motion was granted.

State of Illinois v. SB

Violation of Sex Offender Registration Act Case

In February 2012, SB was charged with violation of the sex offender registration act in McLean County, a Class 3 felony. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. JD

Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon Case

In March 2012, JD was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in McLean County, a Class 4 felony.

Dismissed

The felony case was dismissed. JD pled guilty to a Class A misdemeanor.

State of Illinois v. MM

DUI Case

In May 2012, MM was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charges resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.

State of Illinois v. JL

DUI Case

In June 2012, JL was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

Illinois Secretary of State Petition

BR

After receiving a DUI, BR lost his driving privileges. A petition was filed with the Illinois Secretary of State to reinstate BR's driving privileges in June 2012.

Reinstated

The petition was granted and BR's driving privileges were reinstated.

State of Illinois v. SC

DUI Case

In July 2012, SC was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.

State of Illinois v. SC

Aggravated Battery of a Police Officer

In December 2012, SC was charged in McLean County with aggravated battery of a police officer, a Class 2 felony, and was also charged with resisting a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor. The charges resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY on both counts was rendered.

State of Illinois v. KC

RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER

In December 2012, KC was charged with resisting a peace officer in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A motion for directed verdict was granted and a verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.

State of Illinois v. JN

Unlawful Possession of Cannabis Sativa Plants Case

In December 2012, JN was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis sativa plants in McLean County, a Class 3 felony. A motion was filed to vacate the judgment of conviction and to dismiss the case.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. BS

Driving While Revoked/Suspended Case

In February 2013, BS was charged with driving while driver's license was revoked/suspended in McLean County, a Class 4 felony.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. CK

In February 2013, CK was charged with domestic battery in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A motion for directed verdict was granted and a verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.

In February 2013 in McLean County, MM was charged with transporting cigarettes to evade tax, a Class 3 felony. MM was also charged with possession of contraband cigarettes, a Class 3 felony.

Dismissed

Both Class 3 felony charges were dismissed. MM pled guilty to a Class A misdemeanor.

State of Illinois v. SB

Domestic Battery Case

In March 2013, SB was charged with three counts of domestic battery in McLean County, all Class A misdemeanors.

Dismissed

The case and all three charges were dismissed.

State of Illinois v. JH

DUI Case

In March 2013, JH was charged with two counts of driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charges resulted in a jury trial.

NOT GUILTY

The jury rendered a verdict of NOT GUILTY on both counts.

State of Illinois v. SR

DUI Case

In April 2013, SR was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.

State of Illinois v. JW

Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Case

In April 2013, JW was charged with a Class 4 felony for unlawful possession of a controlled substance in McLean County. A Motion to Vacate Judgment of Conviction was filed.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. KB

DUI Case

In April 2013, KB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. VG

Retail Theft Case

In July 2013, VG was charged with retail theft in McLean County, a Class 3 felony.

Dismissed

The retail theft case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. MW

Aggravated DUI Case

In August 2013, MW was charged with aggravated DUI for not having a valid driver's license in McLean County, a Class 4 felony.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. MM

RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER

In August 2013, MM was charged with resisting a peace officer in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. JF

DUI Case

In September 2013, JF was charged with two counts of driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. MR

DUI Case

In September 2013, MR was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion was filed to rescind the statutory summary suspension of MR's driver's license.

Granted

The motion was granted.

State of Illinois v. RB

DUI Case

In October 2013, RB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. In May 2014, a bench trial was held.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was rendered.

State of Illinois v. NB

DUI Case

In October 2013, NB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. AB

Aggravated DUI Case

In November 2013, AB was charged with aggravated DUI in McLean County, a Class 4 felony.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. JT

DUI Case

In March 2014, JT was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion to dismiss the case and a petition to rescind the statutory summary suspension of JT's driver's license were filed.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed and the petition was granted.

State of Illinois v. HS

DUI Case

In May 2014, HS was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. TM

DUI Case

In May 2014, TM was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. JT

Aggravated DUI Case

In July 2014, JT was charged with aggravated driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class 2 felony.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. JB

DUI Case

In November 2014, JB was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.

Dismissed

The case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. DW

DUI Case

In December 2014, DW was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion was filed to rescind the statutory summary suspension of DW's driver's license.

Granted

The motion was granted.

State of Illinois v. TV

DUI Case

In January 2015, TV was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A motion was filed to rescind the statutory summary suspension of TV's driver's license.

Granted

The motion was granted.

State of Illinois v. CB

Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse Case

In February 2015, CB was charged with two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse in McLean County, a Class 2 felony. The two charges against CB resulted in a jury trial in October 2015.

NOT GUILTY

The jury returned a verdict of NOT GUILTY on both counts.

State of Illinois v. JG

Criminal Sexual Assault Case

In February 2015, JG was charged with criminal sexual assault in McLean County, a Class 1 felony.

Dismissed

Case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. TD

DUI Case

In April 2015, TD was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge resulted in a bench trial, which occurred in November 2015.

NOT GUILTY

A verdict of NOT GUILTY was returned.

State of Illinois v. RM

DUI Case

In June 2015, RM was charged with driving under the influence in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor. A Motion To Quash Arrest and Suppress Evidence based on the inadvertent destruction of an in-car video in the care of the police was filed.

Dismissed

DUI case was dismissed.

Illinois Secretary of State Petition

TJ

After receiving a DUI, TJ lost his driving privileges. A petition was filed with the Illinois Secretary of State to reinstate TJ's driving privileges in July 2015.

Reinstated

The petition was granted and TJ's driving privileges were reinstated.

State of Illinois v. II

Battery Case

In January 2016, II was charged with battery in McLean County, a Class A misdemeanor.

Dismissed

Case was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. JH

Traffic Case

In April 2016, JH was charged with violating the right-way and crosswalk statute.

Dismissed

The charge was dismissed.

Illinois Secretary of State Petition

BQ

After receiving a DUI, BQ lost his driving privileges. A petition was filed with the Illinois Secretary of State to reinstate BQ's driving privileges and a hearing on that petition was held in May 2016.

Reinstated

The petition was granted and BR's driving privileges were reinstated.

State of Illinois v. JR

Possession of a Controlled Substance & Possession of Cannabis

In July 2016, JR was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony, and with possession of cannabis, a Class C misdemeanor.

Dismissed

Both charges against JR were dismissed.

State of Illinois v. YS

Unlawful Visitation Interference

In June 2016, YS was charged with unlawful visitation interference.

Dismissed

The charge against YS was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. EG

DUI Case

In September 2016, EG was charged with DUI.

Dismissed

The DUI charge was dismissed.

State of Illinois v. RP

Hit & Run Case

In October of 2016, RP was charged with failing to notify damage to an unattended vehicle, a Class A Misdemeanor, and with failing to give notice of an accident, a petty offense.

Dismissed.

Both charges were dismissed.

State of Illinois vs. D.J.

RESISTING A PEACE OFFICER

In February 2016, DJ was charged with resisting a peace officer. A motion was filed to quash the arrest and suppress the evidence. A hearing on the motion was held in June 2016.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and the charge was dismissed.

State of Illinois vs. J.G.

CRIMINAL SEXUAL ASSAULT

In February 2015, JG was charged with criminal sexual assault in McLean County, a Class 1 felony.

Dismissed

Case was dismissed.

State of Illinois vs. J.H.

POSSESSION OF CANNABIS & DRUG PARAPHERNILIA

In April 2016, JH was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. A motion to quash the arrest and suppress the evidence was filed and a hearing on the motion was held.

Dismissed

The motion was granted and both charges were dismissed.

Petition To Seal Felony Convictions

J.A. & L.A.

In 1999, JA and LA were both convicted of forgery, a Class 3 felony. In June 2016, a petition to seal both felony convictions was filed. In August 2016, a hearing was held on both petitions.

Outcome

Both petitions were granted and the felony convictions were sealed.

Illinois Secretary of State Petition

AN

After receiving two DUIs, AN lost his driving privileges. A hearing with the Illinois Secretary of State to reinstate AN’s driving privileges was held in November of 2016.

Outcome

In January 2017, AN was granted a restricted driving permit.

State of Illinois vs. B.S.

UNDERAGE DRINKING

In October of 2016, BS was charged with unlawful consumption of liquor by a minor, a Class A Misdemeanor.

Dismissed

In January 2017, the charge was dismissed.

State of Illinois vs. R.M.

DUI

In January 2017, RM was charged with driving under the influence of a drug, a Class A Misdemeanor.

Dismissed

In February 2017, the charge was dismissed. A petition to rescind RM’s statutory summary suspension was filed and was granted, allowing RM to keep his driver’s license.

John was a wonderful asset when it came to my defense for my DUI. Not only was he very knowledgeable and very responsive, we truly felt he had my best interest at heart. He made a very difficult time for me run very smoothly. He answered all of my questions no matter how trivial. Having him there to guide and walk me through the process made my life less stressful. I highly recommend Mr. Prior!

- Monica F.

John is the best lawyer I have ever talked to. He kept me informed through the entire process in terms the average person could easily understand. I hope I never need an lawyer again, but if I do it will be John Prior!

After a violent hazing incident, five Wheaton College football players now face felony charges for aggravated battery, mob action, and unlawful restraint, according to an article by the Chicago Tribune. The perpetrators allegedly barged into a freshman teammate’s dorm room in March of 2016. After tackling their victim, the perpetrators duct taped his wrists and[...]

A Fairmont man received a five-year prison sentenced for aggravated DUI, after causing the death of a young woman last year, according to an article by The News-Gazette. The man was driving near the Vermilion-Edgar County line when he veered off the road to avoid an animal. The man overcorrected when roadside gravel caused the[...]

Governor Bruce Rauner signed a bill into law that removes the statute of limitations for child sex crimes in Illinois, according to a press release from the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. Sponsored by State Senator Scott Bennett and State Representative Michelle Mussman, Public Act 100-0080 changes the Illinois Criminal Code of 2012 to[...]

Authorities arrested two Chicago men who allegedly conducted a series of illegal firearm sales, according to an article by DNAinfo. Over the course of four months, the men sold 16 firearms, including but not limited to an AK-47 rifle, sawed-off shotgun, and .22-caliber pistol. In two of the transactions, authorities benefited from cooperation. A buyer[...]

After Governor Bruce Rauner signed two new bills into law in August of 2017, Illinois will feature enhanced protection of rights for former criminal offenders, according to an article by Illinois Policy. The goal of both bills is to help former criminal offenders find gainful employment and integrate back into their communities. The first bill,[...]

In July 2017, Attorney General Lisa Madigan rolled out comprehensive guidelines for responding to sexual assault in Illinois, according to a press release from the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. With detailed instructions on how to respond to complaints of sexual abuse, Illinois law enforcement will be in a better position to help and[...]

After successfully decreasing the number of DUI-related deaths in the state for decades, that trend in Illinois seems to have flattened out, according to an article by the Daily Chronicle. To gain a better understanding of what this means, we need to look at the numbers. Over the last 30 years, DUI fatalities dropped by[...]

An Illinois judge declared that the state law prohibiting ballot photos was unconstitutional, according to an article by the Belleville News-Democrat. On Election Day in 2016, a Madison County man attempted to take “ballot selfie” after voting. An election official told the Madison County man not to take a photo of his ballot. The reason[...]

With a statewide budget crisis in full swing, Illinois legislators are mulling over the legalization and taxation of marijuana as a potential solution, according to an article by DNAinfo. Separate bills proposed by State Senator Heather Steans and State Representative Kelly Cassidy both advocate for the legalization of marijuana, commonly referred to as cannabis in[...]

Citing a six-year-old hate crime charge, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) is attempting to block the hire of an Illinois man, according to an article by The Chicago Tribune. The hate crime charge in question was never prosecuted, however, raising questions about this course of action. The CPD applicant in question, Patrick Lavin, was formerly[...]

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed off on a bill that takes aim at repeat gun offenders, according to an article by Reuters. This bill increases the minimum sentences for repeat firearm offenses under the Illinois rules governing unlawful use of weapons. Passed as SB1722, this bill is also referred to as the Safe Neighborhoods Reform[...]

Illinois resident Brendt Christensen is currently awaiting trial on kidnapping charges, according to an article by The Chicago Tribune. Christensen is charged in connection with the disappearance of Yingying Zhang, a visiting scholar at the University of Illinois. Prosecutors admitted that while Zhang is still missing, she is most likely dead. Prosecutors also claim to[...]

A McLean County case involving criminal sexual abuse and failure to register as a sex offender is on hold presently, while the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether to hear the case, according to an article by The Pantagraph. The case centers on Mark Minnis, a Normal, Illinois resident. In 2010, when Minnis was 16, he[...]